Richard F. Reitz

November 11, 2013

Born on Jan. 31, 1928, in Lewistown, he was a son of the late Earl F. Reitz, Charlotte (Snavely) Reitz and stepmom, Peggy Reitz.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry M. Reitz and Earl E. Reitz.

He is survived by: his wife, Nedra I. (Bender) Reitz, whom he married on June 24, 1950; daughter, Shellie K. Reitz, of Harrisburg; and sisters, Frances Hlozansky, of Georgia, and Virginia Frymire, of Carlisle.

Richard was in the Merchant Marines from May 1945 to May 1947 and was in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict from 1952 to 1954.

He was a graduate of Burnham High School Class of 1945.

Richard began his work career at Standard Steel and worked there from 1948 to 1950. He then worked at Standard Oil in California from 1955 to 1957, and the AmericanViscose in 1965. Later he worked at Avtex Fibers, retiring in 1989. He also worked part time at Omega Medical Labs.

He was a member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

Richard belonged to BPO Elks #663, Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #142 and the Foremen's Club of Avtex Fibers. He was a life member of Brooklyn Hose Company and a social member of Hershey Italian Club.

He enjoyed playing music with his brothers growing up and later singing and playing the accordion at nursing homes. He also enjoyed gardening and working in his yard.

A graveside service with VFW Post 7011 honors will take place at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, in Lind Memorial Cemetery, with the Rev. Helen Kester officiating.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, at the Hoenstine Funeral Home, 75 Logan St., Lewistown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association 1019 Mumma Road, Wormleysburg, PA 17043 or Lewistown Home Health and Hospice: The Bridge and Visiting Nurses Assoc., 305 Fourth St., Lewistown, PA 17044.